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The decision has been made. Steve Hansen's eight-year tenure as All Blacks coach will come to an end after next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan. We analyse the leading candidates for his replacement here.

But he will instead continue his coaching development in Christchurch where he will guide the Crusaders through a potentially tricky transition period should the likes of Test skipper Kieran Read, veteran centre Ryan Crotty and lock Sam Whitelock decide to join the back-rower Jordan Taufua and prop Owen Franks in moving on after the World Cup.

Given Robertson's deal is with New Zealand Rugby and not just the Crusaders, there is no reason why he couldn't foreseably still be awarded the All Blacks job. But such is his affection for the Crusaders and the fact that Foster seems a ready-made replacement for Hansen, and has his mentor's endorsement, a move to the Test setup for Robertson beyond 2021 looks far more likely.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead a group of incredible players, alongside a coaching staff and management group who are passionate about what we do and the organisation we represent," Robertson said.

Scott Robertson looks on ahead of the Crusaders' Super Rugby match with the Blues in Auckland, February 16, 2019 Hannah Peters/Getty Images

"My family and I are really settled here and when my wife Jane and I talked about it, this is ultimately where we wanted to be. I had already signalled my commitment to New Zealand Rugby and this 2019 campaign with the Crusaders, but this announcement ensures I can now focus on the task at hand and move forward with certainty around my coaching future.

"It's a huge honour to lead this team and I'm thankful for the support I have been shown by New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders Board and the team, in extending my time with the club."

Ian Foster watches on ahead of the All Blacks' clash with Ireland in Dublin, November 17, 2018 Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images

With Joe Schmidt already indicating he will take a year off from coaching after his contract wraps up with Ireland, Foster is the hot tip to succeed Hansen. Current Wales coach Warren Gatland is also believed to be in contention but both he and current Glasgow boss Dave Rennie were seen to be behind Robertson on the list of potential replacements.

It could be that Robertson joins the national set-up as an assistant to whomever succeeds Hansen, and then graduates into the top job at later date from there.